He claimed the government was working towards banning "irresponsible promotions" in off-sales, and bringing in separate display areas in off-sales to make sure alcohol is not seen as an everyday commodity.

"We also need to challenge the 'drink to get drunk' mentality of too many Scots," he added.

The government will continue to tackle knife crime in collaboration with the Violence Reduction Unit, increase the number of police officers on the streets and put an increasing emphasis on early intervention initiatives to tackle the root of crime.

Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken said the figures were "appalling".

"We need more police officers, a faster court system, tighter bail laws and an end to the ridiculous, discredited system of automatic early release," he added.

"One thing is for certain - we cannot allow the present trend to continue."